As Memorial looks beyond the
province’s borders for new students, the question
becomes what to do with the them once they get here? A residence
feasibility study is helping find an answer.

The study, which began in December 2002, was conducted with
three specific purposes in mind: to examine the feasibility
of developing new residential apartment style units, refurbishing
the existing residence units (Paton College and Burton’s
Pond) and converting some of the Paton College’s double
dorm rooms into singles.

“With regards to the existing facilities, the study
has indicated that refurbishing is the economical way to
go,” said Darrell Miles, director, Facilities Management.
“We must also move on developing new accommodations
in an effort to meet current and future demands.”

Mr. Miles went on to mention the beautifully renovated residences
at Memorial’s Harlow campus and the newly developed
chalet-style apartments at Memorial’s Grenfell College
in Corner Brook.

“It is time for us to look at the St. John’s
campus,” he said. “We wish to aid in attracting
students to this campus by making available an adequate
supply of high quality, competitively priced, on-campus
housing.

“The role of quality facilities has never been more
paramount,” continued Mr. Miles. “Currently
this is a big factor in students choosing a university.
The technology infrastructure, washroom layouts and functions,
finishes and furnishings of our residence units are all
dated and need to be revamped.”

Costs for newly constructed apartment-style residences are
estimated to be $38,000 per bed. These apartments will likely
have a similar interior layout design to those at Grenfell
College – single rooms with a shared kitchen and living
area. Costs for renovations at Paton College are estimated
at approximately $18,000 per bed, and $12,000 per bed at
Burton’s Pond.

The study, carried out by local architectural firm PHB Group,
will be distributed for review by university administration
when completed this month. If the administration agrees
with the report’s findings, the next phase would be
to secure the necessary funds.